Romans 13:8-10. For rulers are not a terror to good works--"to the good work," as the true reading appears to be. Anyone that resists the authorities will incur God’s judgment, either in the Day of Judgment or in the present day with law enforcement authorities. Love is a verb. In the same way, God has placed people in the society and in church as it pleases Him. Copyright © 2017 Spokane Bible Church. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Why is our salvation nearer now than the day we were saved? Romans 13: Bible Study, Commentary and Summary. To love our neighbor properly, we need to treat them the way that we treat ourselves. Are there any exceptions for resisting those appointed by God (Acts 5:29)? Ephesians 4:12. Who were the authorities that existed then? Paul began Romans 12 by declaring that the only reasonable response is to become living sacrifices in service to God. Do we ever deprive ourselves of food, clothing or shelter? Then indeed, it would be said of us all, collectively, that “These that have turned the world upside down are come here also” (Acts 17:6). What does Paul mean by writing the night is far spent? Here is a Bible study with commentary and a summary over Romans chapter 13. When you see the blue lights flashing behind you and you’re not breaking the law, then “you have no fear” at all. Whatever the persons in authority over us themselves may be, yet the just power they have, must be submitted to and obeyed. If we have means, we are to love our neighbor but not with words alone but in our deeds. Please also opt me in for Exclusive Offers from Patheos’s Partners, Romans 12: Bible Study, Commentary and Summary. Address: 9419 N 5 Mile Rd, Spokane, WA 99208 Phone: (509) 467-9206, "For the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ." Paul gives the general principle that people are to submit to governing authorities. How can we not make any provisions for the flesh? But if you are, then you will fear indeed. God delegates authority to certain people and God designed this authority for good, to punish evil doers and promote good. On a cursory reading of the Law and Prophets, one may be... Josh McNall (Oklahoma Wesleyan University): Christian Theologians to... Josh McNall, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology, Oklahoma Wesleyan University Why do... Interview with Josh Jipp about Messianic Theology. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. How do those in Christ live, now that we have received God's great mercy for us? When we gossip about others, are we breaking the commandment to love our neighbor as ourself? Maybe it should read we have turned the world right side up because that’s the way God originally intended for us to live, at least until the fall in the Garden ruined it. Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. Romans 13:11-14. Romans 13 is a short chapter that continues the theme of Romans 12. This clearly shows we are to obey the law and pay our taxes as Jesus said “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Mark 12:17) but also pay customs (which word meant “fees” or money), fear those in authority, and honor to all men and women. Be a law-abiding citizen and you’ve got nothing to fear. Romans 13 continues to describe what that Christlike sacrifice looks like. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. Romans 13:1-7. Authority, Love, and the Christian life. Jack is also the Senior Writer at What Christians Want To Know whose mission is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians and to address questions about the believer’s daily walk with God and the Bible. Authority, Love, and the Christian life. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. Get updates from Christian Crier delivered straight to your inbox. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.”, Romans 13:6-7 “For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.”, Identity Politics vs. Transactional Politics. What does “God’s judgment” on lawbreakers look like in this society? Sin with Dignity: Musings from Moses to Steinbeck. Romans 13:1-2 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. It is a command. How different would the world be if Christians took to heart these commands to be a good neighbor, citizen, employer/employee, and fellow member of the Body of Christ? For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”, Romans 13:11-13 “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. It is by His design and His purpose. Romans 13. Romans 13:1-2 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. Love fulfills God’s moral standard for the way people are to treat one another (Romans 13.8-10). What would it be like in society with no law enforcement (authorities)? It’s not just what you say…it is even more so what you do. For there is no authority … Every soul: Thi… Is gossip the same thing as “bearing false witness?”. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”, Romans 13:3-5 “For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Starting in verse one he says that every authority is from God and when we resist authority, we are resisting God Himself because the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Commentary on Romans 13:1-7 (Read Romans 13:1-7) The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent.